Throughout
the consultation process regarding Bill 100, the OTC became very
concerned about the lack of awareness many landowners have regarding the
process of allowing trail users on their land, and the lack of trust
that exists in the minds of many landowners that "trail groups just want
my land so they can give it to the province."
To this end, the OTC will be writing a "Landowner Bill of Rights" so
that private landowners will be made clearly aware of what they should
expect from transparent, professional and principled trail organizations
when they work with landowners that so generously give access to their
land for trail use.
In the interim, if you are seeking land for trails - where can you turn for funds to make these acquisitions? The
OTC usually deals with programs and projects with a current land owner
facilitating trail development on lands already owned or managed by
them.
The "
We Conserve"
website lists the following as options for groups working to secure
land for trails in Ontario – we share this information with our members.
Environment Canada (Ontario Region) publishes
The Green Source, an excellent list of funding sources on its Funding
Programs site. It's about 100 pages, with a page on each separate
funding source, and can be downloaded in PDF format. Some may offer $
for land securement.
The Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (CEGN) has
links to all its member websites. It also has a searchable database of
all grants given across Canada. An excellent starting point.
Charity Village's Sources of Funding page
will send you to lists of foundations and other useful sources of
information. (You'll still need to do some digging!) Includes Adirondack
to Algonquin Trail Organization –
a presenter at Trailhead Ontario 2016
Eco-Action is
the current environmental project fund managed by Environment Canada.
Priority for funding is given to projects that will achieve results in
the following areas: clean air & climate change, clean water and
nature. Funding can range from $500 to a maximum of $100,000; however,
the average amount is about $25,000. Remember that for every dollar you
receive from the federal government (including Eco-Action 2000), you
must have at least the same amount from non-federal government sponsors.
This can include cash contributions and in-kind support.
OVER 7700 grants where returned when the term “trails” was applied. (21 years)
Green Investment Fund - Learn
more about the Green Investment Fund, a down payment on Ontario’s
pending Cap and Trade program, aimed at fighting climate change,
boosting the economy and creating jobs.
0 trail grants
Great Lakes Renewal Foundation/Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant
- closed
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
funds local environmental projects across Canada. Whether you’re
looking to get involved, donate, or fund a project take a look at some
of the great projects in your community. Funds applied to trails, trail
activity and equipment, trail development, just announced one in
Marathon for $52,000.
Mountain Equipment Co-op has
set aside 0.4% of its gross revenues each year for an environment fund
that will give from $2,00 to $10,000 to projects such as land
acquisition, and advocacy and education.
Continuous intake
Community Foundations
Community foundations exist in major cities and towns across Canada
to support community development projects, arts, culture, and the
environment. For more information on the more than 30 community
foundations in Ontario, visit Community Foundations of Canada, or see
their list of Ontario foundations.
“Friends of” Foundations -
Friends of Ontario Parks are independent, not-for-profit charitable
organizations. Each Friends group is dedicated to supplementing and
enhancing the unique educational, recreational, research and resource
protection mandates of the parks they are affiliated with.
Conservation Foundations –i.e.
The Credit Valley Conservation Foundation’s mission
is to raise funds and awareness in support of the conservation projects
carried out by CVC that protect the health and well-being of the flora
and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow.
(Includes land)
Friends of Trails Organizations – i.e. the charity and the trail is
one in the same – such as FORT, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, The
Bruce Trail, The Waterfront Trail, the Trans Canada Trail, Lambton
Shores Nature Trails, Kincardine Trails Association. Continual in-out
effort
Friends of Glengarry Trails Association.
Continual in-out effort – “These all season trails were originally
constructed with the assistance of Federal and Municipal funding. The
trails are now financed through the generosity of trail users, the
memberships paid to the FGTA and fundraising events.
Private landowners have generously allowed the trails to be built on
their property. The FGTA is aware of its responsibility to both the
landowners and those using the trails. Many hours of volunteer work
ensure that the trails are safe and passable. In winter many of the
trails are groomed for cross country skiing. Walking and snowshoeing are
also popular activities. It is important for your safety and the
wellbeing of the land owners that you stay on the trails.”
Regional Trail Committees – these organizations fund to secure trails and land for many different trails and uses.
There are 53 in Ontario. 12 represent trails and active
transportation, the others represent mixed use trail collaborative.
These committees are inclusive and develop project pathways that vary
across all types, i.e.
Hamilton Burlington TC Niagara Trails Committee Oxford County Trails Council
Ontario Trails Council - Regional Trail Development Guide: developed
in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail, this guide helps
communities develop trail stakeholder committees. Once formed these
committees help to:
- Mitigate Trail Use Conflict
- Seek Funds
- Encourage Use
- Work to reduce Trespass
Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC – 613-396-3226